1 Peter 1:6-9; Isaiah 55:1-7, Sincere Faith (1)

Peter has told us we have a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  This hope sustains us through our various trials.  But why must we have these trials?  Peter’s answer is that they give us the opportunity to give praise, honor, and glory to Christ when He is revealed.  Our faith is being tested by fire.  In the end we will receive the fullness of the salvation of your souls.  This honor to Christ is evident in the genuineness of our faith as and after it has been tested.

Over the next few days we will consider the value, testing, focus and end of genuine faith.  Let us note that the focus of faith is Christ (v8).  We mention this now so that we do not fall into the danger of many in our world who simply value faith.  Genuine faith, faith that ends in salvation, is always and only faith in Christ.

I.            The value of faith, 1:7.

Genuine faith is much more precious that gold that perishes, Peter says.  It is extremely valuable.  And Peter says this of genuine faith before it is tested or even now, as we are going through fiery trials.  Let us consider this: what is so valuable about faith in Christ?  We are sure much more can be said but let us consider the following list of ten values of faith.

·        Faith in Christ doesn’t perish, 1 Peter 1:7.  Later Peter will speak of the precious or valuable blood of Christ (1:19) that saves us and that is not like corruptible silver or gold.  Here it is genuine faith that does not perish like gold.

·         Faith in Christ has saved us, Eph. 2:8-9.  We have received God’s gracious gift of salvation when we believed.  We were saved from the penalty of sin.

·        Faith in Christ sanctifies, it is saving us, 2 Cor. 5:7.  We walk by faith, not by sight. We are being saved from the power of sin.

·        Faith in Christ overcomes the world, 1 John 5:4. 

·        Faith in Christ is the shield that protects us from Satan’s attacks, Eph. 6:16.

·        Faith in Christ ties us to God’s people in all ages, Heb. 11.  Much can be said about the hopeful faith before the cross and the knowledgeable faith after the cross.  But the righteous have always been characterized by faith in Christ. 

·        Faith in Christ brings no disappointment, Rom. 10:11.  We will never be ashamed or let down.

·        Faith in Christ keeps you, 1 Peter 1:5.  Like Paul, genuine faith knows God is able to keep what we have committed to Him until the Day (2 Tim. 1:12).

·        Faith in Christ pleases God, Heb. 11:6. 

·        Faith in Christ honors our Lord and Master, the One in whom we trust, 1 Peter 1:7.

This valuable faith, much more valuable than gold that perishes, is within reach of every man who would have it.  As Isaiah called the people of Israel, so we are called today.  Salvation in Christ can be the possession of the poorest soul and you can delight in the abundance of Christ.  Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? … Seek the LORD while He may be found!